Teenagers' brains are still developing, says expert, who tells parents teens ‘need more time, not less'

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By Shawn Merrithew

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Parents and educators can work together to develop a child's brain, providing them with a great start in life.

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Dr. Jean Clinton, child and adolescent psychiatrist at McMaster University, was in Woodstock last week talking with parents and educators at the Woodstock High School theatre about the teenage brain.

That was the message from special keynote speaker Dr. Jean Clinton, child and adolescent psychiatrist at McMaster University, delivered to more than 50 parents and educators last Monday evening at the Woodstock High School theatre.

"The environment builds brains, but the connections are not made when babies are born," Clinton said. "Love literally builds brains, but the environment turns the genetic material on. So the more kids get sung to, talked to, read to, held and soothed, the stronger the connections in their brains will be. That will give them the pathways to learn well and be healthy."

Clinton's main area of focus was on the teenage brain. She discussed issues about how it develops and how important the environment is around them.

Adolescence is a difficult time during a person's life, she said, which spans about 18 years – from age 10 to 28. During these years, a person goes through changes – including social, psychological, biological and legal ones.

While a person may be stronger, smarter, faster and more resilient, she said, a teenager's brain is "under construction."

It can be a confusing time, she added, as there are changes to memory, planning and self-regulation of emotional control.

"The teenage brain is vulnerable," Clinton said. "And teens need more of our time, not less."

Clinton said it is imperative parents understand how important they are to helping build the teenage brain.

"They are not mini adults," Clinton explained. "Parents need to be aware of where there is major changes in the brain in adolescence we didn't know about 10 years ago, and the areas under construction are the areas that are responsible for emotion regulation and planning.

"When we understand that our kids need us to help them make the connections and build the brain, then maybe we will be a bit more tolerant and give them more support. They still have limits but understand they are not doing it on purpose. A lot of times they are not remembering things because that area of the brain is just developing."

Monday evening's seminar was part of Clinton's visit to the region.

Last Saturday, she took part in District 14's parent conference, discussing early childhood development and the teenage brain.

Clinton said she enjoyed the experience as it provided her with opportunity to work with the superintendent and other educational officials to see how education and the community could work together, "so all kids can get the best start in life."